Growth of human regulatory CD4(+) T cells is more tightly controlled than effector T cells due to distinctive molecular programming.

Foreign and self-antigens activate CD4(+) conventional and regulatory T cells (Tregs) to promote immunity and tolerance, respectively. These cell populations, which depend on interleukin-2 (IL-2), are being expanded and engineered in vitro for adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancer and autoimmunity. Here, we investigate the molecular pathways underlying the in vitro expansion of human CD4(+) Teff and Tregs to TCR/CD28/IL-2 signaling over 12-days. Temporal integration of differential chromatin accessibility and gene expression revealed similar responses over the first 6 days. After this time, T effector (Teff) cells showed greater expansion that was associated with more robust gene activation and chromatin opening that supported increased activation of mTORC1-dependent signaling and a more energetic phenotype. Thus, Tregs are programmed temporally for more limited expansion in vitro that may benefit ACT for cancer but may be a drawback for autoimmunity. These findings may reflect a mechanism to finely tune Treg numbers to maintain homeostasis in vivo.